Howtoencourage

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

What do you do when your world falls apart?Who do you turn to for encouragement?Life is tough and we need others to help us.

The stigma of depression prevents many from getting the help they need to battle this disease. Studies like this one show that the primary factor in resilience is having strong family relationships and maintaining a supportive network of family and friends. New ads targeting friends say,"What if you knew your friendship was the key to their recovery, would you still lock them out of your life."

Friends can do alot to help each other. There are simple steps you can take and encouraging words you can say to help another. The present of your presence is a big step that encourages.

What are some of the most helpful things your friends have done to encourage you when you have been depressed?

4 comments:

Kay, I have bipolar w/psychotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, and a few other physical problems,as well. There was a period ten years ago when I spent nine months in a hospital. The things that help me most are being treated with respect and taken seriously, even when issues seem obvious or less than warranting of attention; not being asked if I've, "taken my medication today"; being given space when I need it; being allowed to sleep until I wake up-what a great healer that is; and finally-helping someone else!

About Me

My world needs healing words, inspiring words, caring words--I want to know the right words to say.
Thus a lifetime of learning and how to encourage became my purpose and my story.
I found out:
I can impact a life in a positive way.
I can encourage people to persevere in difficult life situations. You can too!
We can make a difference in one another's lives.
My husband and I are still married, after 35 years of starting and owning several successful small businesses together. I have a degree in retail merchandising, am a human resource manager, advertising manager and janitor. I have been an employer and employee. I have been a counselee and counseled.
I love to volunteer in my church and community, encouraging women and children. I am a big fan of whoever said, 'volunteering is the rent you pay to live in community,' knowing that lifestyle comes from a giving and generous heart.
My greatest accomplishment is being mom to five of the most fabulous human beings in the world, my two daughters, son and sons-in-law are amazing; just ask me!